Newswise — A new analysis of state laws that require health care workers (HCWs) to accept influenza vaccination as a condition of employment has been issued by the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. The report was funded by AHRQ, CDC, NVPO and OHQ on behalf of the Federal Increasing Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Healthcare Workers Working Group.

“Our findings show that state policymakers are prepared to enact compulsory measures to reduce hospital-acquired infections. Increasing influenza vaccination among the health workforce is a vital component of a comprehensive infection control program,” noted lead author, Alexandra M. Stewart, JD, Assistant Professor of Health Policy.

Researchers have produced: 1) a comprehensive review of research related to influenza vaccination of HCWs; 2) an analysis of state laws that require health facilities to develop mandatory influenza vaccination programs for their workforce; and 3) a model law for states that choose to update existing policies or enact new laws. Additionally, researchers created an interactive map that presents a broad graphic analysis of research findings including links to charts for each state.

About the GW School of Public Health and Health ServicesEstablished in July 1997, the School of Public Health and Health Services brought together three longstanding university programs in the schools of medicine, business, and education that we have since expanded substantially. Today, more than 1,100 students from nearly every U.S. state and more than 40 nations pursue undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level degrees in public health. Our student body is one of the most ethnically diverse among the nation's private schools of public health. http://sphhs.gwumc.edu/